Messi in Pique row

"Messi was afraid that the political path that has taken Barcelona could affect football fields with blows to the team and the other day in the match with Atletico Madrid there was proof of it,” he said.

“That's why Messi took Piqué by band and told him:’To refrain from a damn time getting involved in political issues.’”

Alcacer offer from Lille

12:54: Barcelona have received an offer from Lille for their reserve forward Paco Alcacer - but the club are unwilling to let him leave.

Lille’s general manager Marc Ingla has already travelled to Barcelona to open negotiators over a possible move.

And manager Marcelo Bielsa has given his blessing for the club to go ahead with an offer.

But Spanish newspaper Sport claim the player himself will have to force the issue as Barca are keen to keep him as cover.

Coutinho will sign - Heskey

11:15: Barcelona will win their battle to sign Philippe Coutinho, according to Emile Heskey.

The Spanish giants chased Coutinho all summer and were willing to pay up to £140million to get him in to replace Neymar.

Coutinho himself wanted to leave despite signing a new long-term deal months earlier, although Liverpool were relentless in their stance that he wouldn't be sold.

Heskey said: "I don't think Coutinho should leave Liverpool, but I think he will go to Barcelona.

"Every player in the Premier League would have their head turned by Barcelona or Real Madrid, they're two huge clubs. When those clubs show interest, players have to entertain that move."

Coutinho alternatives

11.00: Barcelona are lining up Julian Brandt and Max Meyer as alternatives to Philippe Coutinho.

Barca were foiled in their pursuit of Coutinho in the summer but will try again in January.

But Liverpool are expected to fend off interest and try and keep him until the summer.

And Spanish publication Sport claim Brandt and Meyer are also on Barca’s radar.

Barcelona predicted team to face Olympiakos

Sun, October 29, 2017

Express Sport brings you our Barcelona predicted team to face Olympiakos in the Champions League